Tactile stimulation providing device

ABSTRACT

A tactile stimulation providing device includes: a wearing part having a first side and a second side that is the opposite side of the first side, wherein actuators are disposed between the first side and the second side; a first main band having one end located in the vicinity of the first side of the wearing part and the other end fastenable to the vicinity of the second side of the wearing part; and a sub-band having one end located in the vicinity of a third side of the wearing part and the other end fastenable to the vicinity of the third side of the wearing part.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) toKorean patent application 10-2017-0183617 filed on Dec. 29, 2017 andKorean patent application 10-2018-0074358 filed on Jun. 27, 2018 in theKorean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to a tactile stimulationproviding device.

2. Related Art

A tactile stimulation providing device includes actuators, andselectively vibrates the actuators, thereby providing a tactilestimulation to a user.

The tactile stimulation providing device may be provided suitable forvarious body parts of a desired user.

However, the user may not only use a corresponding body part to simplyfeed a tactile stimulation, but also use the corresponding body part asan input means through a touch, a motion, etc. Therefore, the tactilestimulation providing device should be properly provided in a structurethat does not provide inconvenience to an input action of the user. Inaddition, even when the input action of the user becomes intense, theuser's wearing of the tactile stimulation providing device is notreleased, and the actuators should be adhered closely to a desired bodypart.

Also, the user may wear the tactile stimulation providing device onclothes including socks, gloves, shoes, and the like, in addition to acase where the user simply wears the tactile stimulation providingdevice directly on a body part. Therefore, in the tactile stimulationproviding device, its size should be easily changed depending onsituation, and the actuators should be adhered closely to a desired bodypart.

SUMMARY

Embodiments provide a tactile stimulation providing device thatfacilitates changing of its size, is firmly fixed to a body part of auser, and does not interfere with an input action of the user.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided atactile stimulation providing device including: a wearing part having afirst side and a second side that is the opposite side of the firstside, wherein actuators are disposed between the first side and thesecond side; a first main band having one end located in the vicinity ofthe first side of the wearing part and the other end fastenable to thevicinity of the second side of the wearing part; and a sub-band havingone end located in the vicinity of a third side of the wearing part andthe other end fastenable to the vicinity of the third side of thewearing part.

When the first main band is fastened, the first main band and theactuators may form a ring shape to be adhered closely to a first bodypart of a user. When the sub-band is fastened, the sub-band mayautonomously form a ring shape to be adhered closely to a second bodypart of the user. The first body part and the second body part may beadjacent body parts connected to each other through a joint.

The wearing part may include: a first layer member; and a second layermember having at least a portion of an edge, which is coupled to thefirst layer member on the first layer member. The actuators may bedisposed to be adhered closely to the first layer member.

The tactile stimulation providing device may further include: bottomcases adhered closely to a lower surface of the first layer member; andtop cases adhered closely to an upper surface of the first layer member,the top cases being coupled to the corresponding bottom cases to fix thecorresponding actuators.

The tactile stimulation providing device may further include: a firstA-type attachable/detachable member disposed at a lower surface of thesub-band; and a first B-type attachable/detachable member disposed at anupper surface of the second layer member. When attachable/detachablemembers have different types, the attachable/detachable members may beattachable to/detachable from each other.

The wearing part may further include a third layer member having one endconnected to the second layer member on the second layer member. Thetactile stimulation providing device may further include a second A-typeattachable/detachable member disposed at a lower surface in the vicinityof the other end of the third layer member.

The tactile stimulation providing device may further include acontroller case fitted into the third layer member.

The second layer member may include a first wiring opening, the thirdlayer member may include a second wiring opening, and the controllercase may include a third wiring opening. The actuators and a controllerin the controller case may be electrically connected by a wiring throughthe first wiring opening, the second wiring opening, and the thirdwiring opening.

The tactile stimulation providing device may further include: a secondB-type attachable/detachable member located at an upper surface in thevicinity of the other end of the first main band; and a third A-typeattachable/detachable member located at a lower surface in the vicinityof the other end of the first main band.

The third A-type attachable/detachable member may be attached to thefirst B-type attachable/detachable member, so that the first main bandand the actuators form a ring shape.

The second A-type attachable/detachable member may be simultaneouslyattached to the first B-type attachable/detachable member and the secondB-type attachable/detachable member.

The first A-type attachable/detachable member may be attached to thefirst B-type attachable/detachable member in the vicinity of the thirdside of the wearing part such that the sub-band autonomously forms aring shape.

The actuators may be grouped into at least two groups. Actuators of afirst group may be spaced apart from each other at a first distance in afirst direction, and actuators of a second group may be spaced apartfrom each other at a second distance in the first direction. In thefirst direction, a minimum distance between the actuator of the firstgroup and the actuator of the second group may be longer than the firstdistance and the second distance.

The first main band may have the one end located in the vicinity of thefirst side of the wearing part and the other end located in the vicinityof the second side of the wearing part to overlap with at least some ofthe actuators of the first group. The tactile stimulation providingdevice may further include a second main band having one end located inthe vicinity of the first side of the wearing part and the other endlocated in the vicinity of the second side of the wearing part tooverlap with at least some of the actuators of the second group.

The tactile stimulation providing device may further include a thirdB-type attachable/detachable member located at an upper surface in thevicinity of the other end of the third layer member.

The tactile stimulation providing device may further include: a fourthB-type attachable/detachable member located at an upper surface in thevicinity of the one end of the third layer member; a fifth B-typeattachable/detachable member located at an upper surface in the vicinityof the one end of the first main band; and a fourth A-typeattachable/detachable member located at a lower surface in the vicinityof the one end of the first main band.

The tactile stimulation providing device may further include: a firststrap located at an upper surface in the vicinity of the one end of thesub-band; an A-type fastening member connected to the first strap; asecond strap located at an upper surface in the vicinity of the otherend of the sub-band; and a B-type fastening member connected to thesecond strap. When fastening members have different types, the fasteningmembers may be fastenable to each other.

The tactile stimulation providing device may further include: a secondB-type attachable/detachable member located at a lower surface in thevicinity of the one end of the second main band; a third A-typeattachable/detachable member located at an upper surface in the vicinitythe one end of the second main band; a third B-typeattachable/detachable member located at a lower surface in the vicinityof the other end of the second main band; and a fourth A-typeattachable/detachable member located at an upper surface in the vicinityof the other end of the second main band.

The tactile stimulation providing device may further include: a fourthB-type attachable/detachable member located at a lower surface in thevicinity of the one end of the first main band; a fifth A-typeattachable/detachable member located at an upper surface in the vicinityof the one end of the first main band; a fifth B-typeattachable/detachable member located at a lower surface in the vicinityof the other end of the first main band; and a sixth A-typeattachable/detachable member located at an upper surface in the vicinityof the other end of the first main band.

The tactile stimulation providing device may further include: a firststrap located at an upper surface in the vicinity of the one end of thesub-band; an A-type fastening member connected to the first strap; asecond strap located at an upper surface in the vicinity of the otherend of the sub-band; and a B-type fastening member connected to thesecond strap. When fastening members have different types, the fasteningmembers may be fastenable to each other.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda tactile stimulation providing device including: actuators providing atactile stimulation; a controller controlling the actuators; acontroller case including the controller therein; a bolt protruding in avertical direction at an upper portion of the controller case; a motiontracker fitted around the bolt, the motion tracker sensing a motion of auser; and an angle adjusting member fitted around the bolt, the angleadjusting member being located between the controller case and themotion tracker.

The angle adjusting member may be an angle adjusting nut.

The angle adjusting nut may include a rotating support.

The angle adjusting member may be a washer assembly.

The washer assembly may include rubber washers and at least one metalwasher located between the rubber washers.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided a tactile stimulation providing device including: actuatorsproviding a tactile stimulation; a controller controlling the actuators;a controller case including the controller therein; a tracker supportingmember having a portion fastenable to the controller case; and a motiontracker fastenable to another portion of the tractor supporting member,the motion tracker sensing a motion of a user.

The tactile stimulation providing device may further include: a boltcoupling the motion tracker to another portion of the tracker supportingmember; and an angle adjusting member fitted around the bolt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be embodied indifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art.

In the drawing figures, dimensions may be exaggerated for clarity ofillustration. It will be understood that when an element is referred toas being “between” two elements, it can be the only element between thetwo elements, or one or more intervening elements may also be present.

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an upper surface of a first layer memberof a tactile stimulation providing device according to a firstembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a lower surface of the first layer memberof the tactile stimulation providing device according to the firstembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are views illustrating an actuator assembly at differentvisual points according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an upper surface of a second layer memberof the tactile stimulation providing device according to the firstembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an upper surface of a third layer memberof the tactile stimulation providing device according to the firstembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a controller case of the tactilestimulation providing device according to the first embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a lower surface of the third layer memberof the tactile stimulation providing device according to the firstembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9 to 12 are views illustrating a wearing procedure of the tactilestimulation providing device according to the first embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are views illustrating a modification of the tactilestimulation providing device according to the first embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are views illustrating a structure in which a motiontracker is coupled to the controller case.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a structure in which the motion trackeris differently coupled to the controller case.

FIG. 18 is a view illustrating an upper surface of a first layer memberof a tactile stimulation providing device according to a secondembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a lower surface of the first layer memberof the tactile stimulation providing device according to the secondembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating an upper surface of a second layer memberof the tactile stimulation providing device according to the secondembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are views respectively illustrating upper and lowersurfaces of a third layer member of the tactile stimulation providingdevice according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a controller case of the tactilestimulation providing device according to the second embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a view illustrating a wearing procedure of the tactilestimulation providing device according to the second embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a modification of the tactile stimulationproviding device according to the second embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 26 and 27 are views illustrating an actuator assembly at differentvisual points according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 is a view illustrating an actuator assembly at different visualpoints according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 29 and 30 is a view a structure in which a motion tracker iscoupled to the controller case according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 31 is a view illustrating another modification of the tactilestimulation providing device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a view illustrating a lower surface of a first main band ofFIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a view illustrating another modification of the tactilestimulation providing device of the second embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a view illustrating upper surfaces of first and second mainbands of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a view illustrating an upper surface of the tactilestimulation providing device of FIG. 33.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments are described in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the artmay easily practice the present disclosure. The present disclosure maybe implemented in various different forms and is not limited to theexemplary embodiments described in the present specification.

A part irrelevant to the description will be omitted to clearly describethe present disclosure, and the same or similar constituent elementswill be designated by the same reference numerals throughout thespecification. Therefore, the same reference numerals may be used indifferent drawings to identify the same or similar elements.

In addition, the size and thickness of each component illustrated in thedrawings are arbitrarily shown for better understanding and ease ofdescription, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.Thicknesses of several portions and regions are exaggerated for clearexpressions.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an upper surface of a first layer memberof a tactile stimulation providing device according to a firstembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, the tactile stimulation providing device 1according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes afirst layer member BP1, a main band MB1, and a sub-band SB1.

A wearing part is a part that is worn on a first body part of a user, towhich a tactile stimulation is to be provided. The wearing part of thisembodiment may be configured in a triple layer structure, and the firstlayer member BP1 in the triple layer structure will be first describedin FIG. 1.

The first layer member BP1 may be made of a flexible material such ascloth, rubber or plastic. The shape and size of the first layer memberBP1 may be determined suitable for the first body part of the user. Thefirst layer member BP1 is used to allow actuators to be adhered closelyto the first body part of the user while supporting the actuators. Inthe first embodiment, the first body part may be a top side of a foot ofthe user.

The actuators may be disposed between a first side SE11 of the firstlayer member BP1, i.e., the wearing part and a second side SE12 that isthe opposite side of the first side SE11. Since the actuators arecovered by top cases tc1, the actuators are not shown in FIG. 1. The topcases tc1 are adhered closely to the upper surface of the first layermember BP1, and are coupled to corresponding bottom cases to fixcorresponding actuators ac1.

The first main band MB1 may be made of an elastic material such ascloth, rubber or plastic. One end of the first main band MB1 is locatedin the vicinity of the first side SE11 of the wearing part, and theother end of the first main band MB1 is fastenable to the vicinity ofthe second side SE12 of the wearing part. The fastening of the other endof the first main band MB1 will be described later with reference toFIG. 9. When the first main band MB1 is fastened, the first main bandMB1 and the actuators may form a ring shape to be adhered closely to thefirst body part of the user.

The sub-band SB1 may be made of an elastic material such as cloth,rubber or plastic. One end of the sub-band SB1 is located in thevicinity of a third side SE13, and the other end of the sub-band SB1 isfastenable to the vicinity of the third side SE13. The fastening of theother end of the sub-band SB1 will be described later with reference toFIG. 12. When the sub-band SB1 is fastened, the sub-band SB1 mayautonomously form a ring shape to be adhered closely to a second bodypart of the user. The first body part and the second body part may beadjacent body parts connected to each other through a joint. Asdescribed above, when the first body part is the top side of the foot ofthe user, the second body part may correspond to an ankle of the user.According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sub-band SB1may be fixed at the second body part such that the ring-shaped wearingpart surrounding the first body part is not rotated (slipped) In anundesired direction.

A second B-type attachable/detachable member Vb12 may be located at anupper surface in the vicinity of the other end of the first main bandMB1.

Hereinafter, an A-type attachable/detachable member and a B-typeattachable/detachable member are described. When attachable/detachablemembers have different types, the attachable/detachable members may beattachable to/detachable from each other. When attachable/detachablemembers have the same type, the attachable/detachable members may not beattachable to/detachable from each other. The attachable/detachablemember may be variously configured with a bolt/nut, a button/buttonhole,etc. Hereinafter, a case where the attachable/detachable member is aVelcro material will be assumed and described in this embodiment.

In addition, as described above, the terms “vicinity” of the first sideSE11, “vicinity” of the second side SE12, and “vicinity” of the thirdside SE13 are used. The term “vicinity” is an expression since, when aband is connected to the wearing part, the band is not necessarily sewedat an edge of the wearing part, but may be sewed at an arbitrary area inthe vicinity of the edge or be attachable to/detachable from thearbitrary area. The range of the term “vicinity” may mean up to an areain which the effect according to the structure of this embodiment canequally/similarly appear. For example, in a case where the one end ofthe first main band MB1 is connected between arbitrary actuator casestc1 excessively beyond the vicinity of the first side SE11, an actuatorexcluded from the formed ring shape exists when the other end of thefirst main band MB1 is attached to the vicinity of the second side SE12.This actuator case cannot be adhered closely to the first body part ofthe user, and hence a tactile stimulation cannot be properlytransferred. Therefore, it cannot be seen that the one end of the mainband MB1 has been connected to the vicinity of the first side SE11.

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a lower surface of the first layer memberof the tactile stimulation providing device according to the firstembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, bottom cases bc1 may be disposed at the lowersurface of the first layer member BP1 to be adhered closely to the lowersurface of the first layer member BP1. The bottom cases bc1 are coupledto the corresponding top cases tc1 to fix the actuators. Therelationship between an actuator and actuator cases will be described inmore detail later with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

A third A-type attachable/detachable member Va13 may be located at alower surface in the vicinity of the other end of the first main bandMB1.

A first A-type attachable/detachable member Va11 may be located at alower surface in the vicinity of the other end of the sub-band SB1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are views illustrating an actuator assembly at differentvisual points according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the actuator assembly AA1 according to theembodiment of the present disclosure includes an actuator ac1, a topcase tc1, a cover case mc1, and a bottom case bc1.

The actuator ac1 may include a driver mb1 and an eccentric mass em1. Thedriver mb1 and the eccentric mass em1 may be rotatably connected througha shaft. For example, the actuator ac1 may be an Eccentric Rotating Mass(ERM) motor. The actuator ac1 may create vibration when the eccentricmass em1 rotated by the driver mb1 serves as an asymmetric vibrator. Forexample, the actuator ac1 may be a cylindrical vibration motor in whichthe diameter of a cylinder is about 6 mm and the entire height is about17 mm. While a coin-shaped motor creates vibration in a horizontaldirection when a vibrator is horizontally rotated, the actuator ac1 ofthis embodiment may create vibration in a vertical direction.

The top case tc1 includes an accommodating part tha1 for accommodatingthe driver mb1 and an accommodating part thb1 for accommodating theeccentric mass em1. That is, the top case tc1 may accommodate the wholeor a portion of the actuator ac1 except wirings. In some embodiments,when the top case tc1 accommodates only a portion of the actuator ad,the other portion of the actuator ac1 may be accommodated by the covercase mc1.

The cover case mc1 is coupled to the top case tc1 such that the drivermb1 is adhered closely to an accommodating part mha1. The cover case mc1may be coupled to the top case tc1 while the actuator ac1. As a malefastening part mm1 of the cover case mc1 is fitted into a femalefastening part tsf1 of the top case tc1, the cover case mc1 may befirmly fixed to the top case tc1. In particular, the accommodating parttha1 and the accommodating part mha1 may be formed such that the drivermb1 of the actuator ac1 is firmly fixed. The male fastening part mm ofthe cover case mc1 may protrude to be parallel to a surface on which thecover case mc1 is in contact with the first layer member BP1. In thisembodiment, four pairs of male fastening parts and female fasteningparts are provided. However, in some embodiments, the number of malefastening parts and female fastening parts may be changed.

The cover case mc1 is coupled to the top case tc1, to form, togetherwith an accommodating part mhb1, an extra rotating space of theeccentric mass em1 while allowing the eccentric mass em1 to be spacedapart from the upper surface of the first layer member BP1. That is, theaccommodating part mhb1 of the cover case mc1 is matched to theaccommodating part thb1, to form an extra rotating space that does notinterfere with the rotation of the eccentric mass em1. Also, theaccommodating part mhb1 of the cover case mc1 functions to allow theeccentric mass em1 to be spaced apart from the upper surface of thefirst layer member BP1. Thus, even when the first layer member BP1 ismade of a flexible material such as cloth or rubber, the eccentric massem1 can be reliably rotated without collision with the first layermember BP1.

The bottom case bc1 is located at the lower surface of the first layermember BP1, and fixes the top case tc1 to the upper surface of the firstlayer member BP1.

A male fastening part bm1 of the bottom case bc1 is coupled to a femalefastening part tf1 of the top case tc1 by penetrating the first layermember BP1, so that the actuator ac and the cases bc1, mc1, and tc1thereof can be fixed to the first layer member BP1. The first layermember BP1 may include an opening through which the male fastening partbm1 can pass.

The top case tc1 may include a projection tm1, and the bottom case bc1may include a recess part bf1. The projection tm1 of the top case tc1 isfitted into the recess part hf1 by pressurizing the first layer memberBP1, so that the actuator ac1 and the cases bc1, mc1, and tc1 thereofcan be more firmly fixed to the first layer member BP1.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an upper surface of a second layer memberof the tactile stimulation providing device according to the firstembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5, the second layer member MP1 is illustrated, whichhas at least a portion of an edge, which is coupled to the first layermember BP1 on the first layer member BP1. Since the first layer memberBP1 is covered by the second layer member MP1, the first layer memberBP1 is not shown in FIG. 5.

The second layer member MP1 may be made of a flexible material such ascloth, rubber or plastic. The shape and size of the second layer memberMP1 may correspond to those of the first layer member BP1.

The second layer member MP1 functions to cover the top cases tc1 andwirings extending therefrom from eyes of the user. The second layermember MP1 includes a first wiring opening WH11, and the wirings can begathered and neatly extracted through the first wiring opening WH11. Thesecond layer member MP1 may selectively further include a zipper memberZP1 as a path for organizing the actuators and the wirings.

A first B-type attachable/detachable member Vb11 may be disposed at theupper surface of the second layer member MP1. The size and shape of thefirst B-type attachable/detachable member Vb11 may correspond to thoseof the second layer member MP1. In another embodiment, the first B-typeattachable/detachable member Vb11 may be formed to have a minimum areaonly in the vicinity of the second side SE12 and the vicinity of thethird side SE13.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an upper surface of a third layer memberof the tactile stimulation providing device according to the firstembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6, the third layer member TP1 is illustrated, whichhas one end connected to the second layer member MP1 on the second layermember MP1.

The third layer member TP1 may be made of a flexible material such ascloth, rubber or plastic. Unlike the second layer member MP1, the shapeand size of the third layer member TP1 may not correspond to those ofthe first layer member BP1.

The third layer member TP1 may include a second wiring opening WH12. Thethird layer member TP1 may be configured to again extract the wiringsextracted from the first wiring opening WH11 through the second wiringopening WH12 while covering the wirings from the eyes of the user.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a controller case of the tactilestimulation providing device according to the first embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, the controller case CC1 fitted into the third layermember TP1 is illustrated. Further referring to FIG. 8, the width of thethird layer member TP1 is configured narrower than that of a lower endopening of the controller case CC1, so that the controller case CC1 canbe fitted into the third layer member TP1 in the length direction.

In some embodiments, the controller case CC1 may further include a boltinsertion opening VH1 at an upper end thereof.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a lower surface of the third layer memberof the tactile stimulation providing device according to the firstembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8, a case where a wiring W1 faces the controller caseCC1 by passing through the first wiring opening WH11 and the secondwiring opening WH12 is illustrated. Although not shown in the drawing,the controller case CC1 may further include a third wiring opening at alower surface thereof. Thus, the actuators ac1 and a controller in thecontroller case CC1 can be electrically connected by a wiring throughthe first wiring opening WH11, the second wiring opening WH12, and thethird wiring opening.

The controller is located in the controller case CC1, and may generate adriving signal corresponding to the actuators ac1. The controller may beconfigured to include a microcontroller, a motor driver, a powermanagement module, and the like. A separate battery for driving thecontroller may be located in the controller case CC1. The controller maybe configured in the form of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), a FlexiblePrinted Circuit Board (FPCB), an Integrated Circuit (IC), etc. Also, thecontroller may receive a tactile stimulation pattern input through theexisting wireless communication technology including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,and the like, or the existing wired communication technology. Thetactile stimulation pattern may be a multidirectional tactilestimulation pattern. A separate memory device may be located in thecontroller case CC1.

The wiring W1 may transfer a driving signal from the controller to theactuators ad. The wiring W1 may be configured with an FPCB, a wire, etc.

Also, referring to FIG. 8, a second A-type attachable/detachable memberVa12 may be disposed at a lower surface in the vicinity of the other endof the third layer member TP1.

FIGS. 9 to 12 are views illustrating a wearing procedure of the tactilestimulation providing device according to the first embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

First, referring to FIG. 9, the user may attach the third A-typeattachable/detachable member Va13 of the first main band MB1 to thefirst B-type attachable/detachable member Vb11 at the upper surface ofthe second layer member MP1. Accordingly, the first main band MB1 andthe actuators ac1 can form a ring shape.

The second B-type attachable/detachable member Vb12 of the first mainband Mb1 is exposed together with the first B-type attachable/detachablemember Vb11 of the second layer member MP1 in the direction of the uppersurface.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the user may properly attach the secondA-type attachable/detachable member Va12 of the third layer member TP1to the first B-type attachable/detachable member Vb11 or the secondB-type attachable member Vb12. For example, the second A-typeattachable/detachable member Va12 may be simultaneously attached to thefirst B-type attachable/detachable member Vb11 and the second B-typeattachable/detachable member Vb12. Accordingly, the control case CC1made of a firm material can be fixed to the wearing part regardless ofthe size of the first body part of the user.

Referring to FIG. 11, a case where the ring-shaped wearing part createdthrough the procedure of FIGS. 9 and 10 is fitted around the first bodypart (here, a top side of a foot) of the user is illustrated. The angleof the wearing part may be adjusted such that the lower surface of thefirst layer member BP1, at which the bottom cases bc1 are located, isadhered closely to the first body part of the user.

Next, referring to FIG. 12, the user may wind the sub-band SB1 aroundthe second body part (here, an ankle) of the user such that the sub-bandSB1 autonomously forms a ring shape, and attach the first A-typeattachable/detachable member Va11 to the first B-typeattachable/detachable member Vb11 in the vicinity of the third sideSE13. Accordingly, the sub-band SB1 can be fixed to the second body partsuch that the ring-shaped wearing part surrounding the first body partis not rotated (slipped) in an undesired direction.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are views illustrating a modification of the tactilestimulation providing device according to the first embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In FIGS. 13 and 14, components similar to those ofFIGS. 7 and 8 are designated by similar reference numerals.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, differences between thetactile stimulation providing device 1′ and the tactile stimulationproviding device 1 will be mainly described.

When comparing FIG. 13 with FIG. 7, the tactile stimulation providingdevice 1′ further includes a third B-type attachable/detachable memberVb13′. The third B-type attachable/detachable member Vb13′ may belocated an upper surface in the vicinity of the other end of a thirdlayer member TP1′.

Therefore, the user may have a wearing procedure of the tactilestimulation providing device 1′, which is different from that of FIGS. 9to 11. In FIGS. 9 to 11, the user first creates the first main band MB1,the wearing part, and the third layer member TP1 in a ring shape, andthen fits the ring shape around the first body part, so that the tactilestimulation providing device 1 is worn on the first body part.

However, according to the structure of FIG. 13, the user attaches asecond A-type attachable/detachable member Va12′ to a first B-typeattachable/detachable member Vb11′, so that a controller case CC1′ canbe first fixed to a wearing part. When comparing FIG. 14 with FIG. 8,the shape and area of the second A-type attachable/detachable memberVa12′ are enlarged to correspond to those of the third layer memberTP1′. According to this embodiment, Since the adhesion between thesecond A-type attachable/detachable member Va12′ and the first B-typeattachable/detachable member Vb11′ increases, the second A-typeattachable/detachable member Va12′ can be prevented from being easilydetached even when the weight of the controller case CC1′ increasessince a motion tracker is coupled to an upper portion of the controllercase CC1′.

Next, the user attaches a third A-type attachable/detachable member tothe third B-type attachable/detachable member Vb13′ by winding a firstmain band MB1′ around the first body part in a state in which thewearing part is supported by the first body part, so that the first mainband MB1′ and actuators can form a ring shape. According to thisembodiment, the first main band MB1′ and the actuators can be adheredclosely to the first body part of the user to be suitable for the sizeof the first body part of the user.

Also, referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a connecting part CM1′ of a secondlayer member MP1′ and the sub-band SB1′ has been modified as comparedwith FIGS. 7 and 8. In FIGS. 7 and 8, a connecting part CM1 of thesecond layer member MP1 and the sub-band SB1 has been eccentric to besuitable for a desired body part between right and left feet of theuser. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, the connecting partCM1′ of a second layer member MP1′ and the sub-band SB1′ has beenlocated at the center of the wearing part such that there is noinconvenience even when the user wears the tactile stimulation providingdevice 1′ on any body part between right and left feet of the user.

Also, in the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, the extending direction ofthe sub-band SB1′ may be parallel to the first main band MB1′. Inaddition, the connecting part CM1′ may be formed long to sufficientlycover the joint between the first body part and the second body part (toascend up to a lower side of a calf of the user). Accordingly, the angleor position of a ring shape autonomously formed by the sub-band SB1′does not give inconvenience to the user even when the user wears thetactile stimulation providing device 1′ on any body part between rightand left feet of the user.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are views illustrating a structure in which a motiontracker is coupled to the controller case.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, a bolt V1 protrudes in a verticaldirection through the bolt insertion opening VH1 of the controller caseCC1. An angle adjusting nut N1 and a motion tractor MT1 may besequentially fitted around the bolt V1.

The motion tracker MT1 may be a device capable of checking a position ofthe motion tracker MT1 on a three-dimensional space by receiving aninfrared signal radiated from an external base station. In anotherembodiment, the motion tracker MT1 may be designed in a form that has anacceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, etc., built therein to calculate anamount changed based on a specific absolute value set initially. Theuser moves the motion tracker MT1, so that its own motion can be used asan input means.

First, the user may locate the motion tracker MT1 at a desired heightand angle by fitting the motion tracker MT1 around the bolt V1 and thenrotating the motion tracker MT1 in the direction (lower direction) ofthe angle adjusting nut N1. Next, the user may fix the motion trackerMT1 to the bolt V1 by rotating the angle adjusting nut N1 in thedirection (upper direction) of the motion tracker MT1. The user mayrotate the angle adjusting nut N1 by grasping or pushing rotatingsupports WW1 and WW2 of the angle adjusting nut N1 with fingers.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a structure in which the motion trackeris differently coupled to the controller case.

Referring to FIG. 17, when the motion tracker MT1 is coupled to thetactile stimulation providing device 1, a washer assembly WS1 is usedinstead of the angle adjusting nut N1.

The washer assembly WS1 may include rubber washers RW1, RW2, and RW3 andat least one metal washer MW1 and MW2 located between the rubber washersRW1, RW2, and RW3. In the embodiment of FIG. 17, a rubber washer RW1, ametal washer MW1, a rubber washer RW2, a metal washer MW2, and a rubberwasher RW3 are sequentially stacked to constitute the washer assemblyWS1. However, those skilled in the art may change the number ofcomponents. The rubber washers RW1, RW2, and RW3 may provide an elasticforce and a supporting force, and the metal washers MW1 and MW2 mayprevent occurrence of an excessive frictional force between the rubberwashers RW1, RW2, and RW3.

The user may fit the motion tracker MT1 around the bolt V1 and thenrotate the motion tracker MT1 in the direction (lower direction) of thewasher assembly WS1. Although the motion tracker MT1 is in contact withthe washer assembly WS1, the user may further rotates the motion trackerMT1, due to the elastic force of the rubber washers RW1, RW2, and RW3,until the motion tracker MT1 is located at a desired angle. Whencomparing FIG. 17 with FIGS. 15 and 16, the user simply rotates themotion tracker MT1 without inconvenience that adjusting the angle bygrasping or pushing the angle adjusting nut N1 with the fingers, so thatthe motion tracker MT1 can be firmly fixed to the controller case CC1 ata desired angle.

Although the washer assembly WS1 is provided in the embodiment of FIG.17, a single rubber washer optimized through elastic amount andthickness adjustment may be provided. Therefore, the metal washers arenot required.

FIG. 18 is a view illustrating an upper surface of a first layer memberof a tactile stimulation providing device according to a secondembodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a view illustrating alower surface of the first layer member of the tactile stimulationproviding device according to the second embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the tactile stimulation providing device 2according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure includes afirst layer member BP2, a first main band MB21, a second main band MB22,and a sub-band SB2.

A wearing part of the second embodiment may also be configured in atriple layer structure, and the first layer member BP2 in the triplelayer structure will be first described in FIG. 18.

The first layer member BP2 may be made of a flexible material such ascloth, rubber or plastic. The shape and size of the first layer memberBP2 may be determined suitable for a first body part of a user. In thesecond embodiment, the first body part may be a top side of a hand of auser and a finger of the user.

Actuators ac1 may be disposed between a first side SE21 and a secondside SE22 of the first layer member BP2, i.e., the wearing part. Sincethe actuators ac1 are covered by top cases tc1, the actuators ac1 arenot shown in FIG. 18. The top cases tc1 are adhered closely to the uppersurface of the first layer member BP2, and are coupled to correspondingbottom cases bc1 to fix corresponding actuators ac1.

In this embodiment, the actuators ac1 may be grouped into at least twogroups. Actuators of a first group ag21 may be spaced apart from eachother at a first distance d21 in a first direction D1, and actuators ofa second group ag22 may be spaced apart from each other at a seconddistance d22 in the first direction D1. The first distance d21 and thesecond distance d22 may be equal to or different from each other.However, in the first direction D1, a minimum distance dg between theactuator of the first group ag21 and the actuator of the second groupag22 may be set longer than the first distance d21 and the seconddistance d22.

In this embodiment, the first body part of the user may be a top side ofa hand of the user and a finger of the user as described above. Theactuators of the first group ag21 may be disposed to correspond to thefinger, and the actuators of the second group ag22 may be disposed tocorrespond to the top side of the hand. Since a joint exists between thefinger and the top side of the hand, it is necessary that the firstgroup ag21 and the second group ag22 should be spaced apart from eachother at the minimum distance dg or more.

The first and second main bands MB21 and MB22 may be made of an elasticmaterial such as cloth, rubber or plastic. One ends of the first andsecond main bands MB21 and MB22 are located in the vicinity of the firstside SE21 of the wearing part, and the other ends of the first andsecond main bands MB21 and MB22 are fastenable to the vicinity of thesecond side SE22 of the wearing part. In drawings from FIG. 16, a statein which the other ends of the first and second main bands MB21 and MB22are continuously being fastened to the vicinity of the second side SE22of the wearing part is assumed.

The first main band MB21 may have the one end located in the first sideSE21 of the wearing part and the other end located in the vicinity ofthe second side SE22 of the wearing part to overlap with at least someof the actuators of the first group ag21, and the second main band MB22may have the one end located in the first side SE21 of the wearing partand the other end located in the vicinity of the second side SE22 of thewearing part to overlap with at least some of the actuators of thesecond group ag22. Thus, the first main band MB21 forms a ring shapewith the actuators of the first group ag21, to allow the actuators ofthe first group ag21 to be adhered closely to the finger of the user. Inaddition, the second main band MB22 forms a ring shape with theactuators of the second group ag22, to allow the actuators of the secondgroup ag22 to be adhered closely to the top side of the hand of theuser.

The sub-band SB2 may be made of an elastic material such as cloth,rubber or plastic. One end of the sub-band SB2 is connected to thevicinity of a third side SE23 of the wearing part, and the other end ofthe sub-band SB2 is fastenable to the vicinity of the third side SE23.The fastening of the other end of the sub-band SB2 will be describedlater with reference to FIG. 21. When the sub-band SB2 is fastened, thesub-band SB2 may autonomously form a ring shape to be adhered closely toa second body part of the user. The first body part and the second bodypart may be adjacent body parts connected to each other through a joint.As described above, when the first body part corresponds to the top sideof the hand of the user and the finger of the user, the second body partmay correspond to a wrist of the user. According to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the sub-band SB2 may be fixed at the second bodypart such that the ring-shaped wearing part surrounding the first bodypart is not rotated (slipped) in an undesired direction.

A first A-type attachable/detachable member Va21 may be located at alower surface in the vicinity of the other end of the sub-band SB2.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating an upper surface of a second layer memberof the tactile stimulation providing device according to the secondembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 20, the second layer member MP2 is illustrated, whichhas at least a portion of an edge, which is coupled to the first layermember BP2 on the first layer member BP2. Since the first layer memberBP2 is covered by the second layer member MP2, the first layer memberBP2 is not shown in FIG. 20.

The second layer member MP2 may be made of a flexible material such ascloth, rubber or plastic. The shape and size of the second layer memberMP2 may correspond to those of the first layer member BP2.

The second layer member MP2 functions to cover the top cases tc1 andwirings extending therefrom from eyes of the user. The second layermember MP2 includes a first wiring opening WH21, and the wirings can begathered and neatly extracted through the first wiring opening WH21. Thesecond layer member MP2 may selectively further include a zipper memberZP2 as a path for organizing the actuators ac1 and the wirings.

A first B-type attachable/detachable member Vb21 may be disposed at theupper surface of the second layer member MP2. The size and shape of thefirst B-type attachable/detachable member Vb21 may correspond to thoseof the second layer member MP2.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are views respectively illustrating upper and lowersurfaces of a third layer member of the tactile stimulation providingdevice according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 21, the third layer member TP2 is illustrated, whichhas one end connected to the second layer member MP2 on the second layermember MP2.

The third layer member TP2 may be made of a flexible material such ascloth, rubber or plastic. Unlike the second layer member MP2, the shapeand size of the third layer member TP2 may not correspond to those ofthe first layer member BP2.

The third layer member TP2 may include a second wiring opening WH22. Thethird layer member TP2 may be configured to again extract the wiringsextracted from the first wiring opening WH21 through the second wiringopening WH22 while covering the wirings from the eyes of the user.

Referring to FIG. 22, a second A-type attachable/detachable member Va22may be disposed at a lower surface in the vicinity of the other end ofthe third layer member TP2.

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a controller case of the tactilestimulation providing device according to the second embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 23, the controller case CC2 fitted into the thirdlayer member TP2 is illustrated. The width of the third layer member TP2is configured narrower than that of a lower end opening of thecontroller case CC2, so that the controller case CC2 can be fitted intothe third layer member TP2 in the length direction.

In some embodiments, the controller case CC1 may further include a boltinsertion opening VH2 at an upper end thereof.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the controller case CC2 may furtherinclude a third wiring opening at a lower surface thereof. Thus, theactuators ac1 and a controller in the controller case CC2 can beelectrically connected by a wiring through the first wiring openingWH21, the second wiring opening WH22, and the third wiring opening.

FIG. 24 is a view illustrating a wearing procedure of the tactilestimulation providing device according to the second embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

First, the user fits the finger that is a portion of the first body partinto the first main band MB21, and fits the top side of the hand, whichis the other of the first body part, into the second main band MB22.

Next, the user winds the sub-band SB2 around the write that is thesecond body part such that the sub-band SB1 autonomously forms a ringshape, so that the first A-type attachable/detachable member Va21 isattached to the first B-type attachable/detachable member Vb21.

Although not shown in the drawing, like the first embodiment, the secondA-type attachable/detachable member Va22 is properly attached to thefirst B-type attachable/detachable member Vb21, so that the controllercase CC2 can be fixed to the wearing part regardless of the size of thefirst body part of the user.

FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a modification of the tactile stimulationproviding device according to the second embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In FIG. 25, components similar to those of FIG. 22 aredesignated by similar reference numerals. Hereinafter, for convenienceof description, differences between the tactile stimulation providingdevice 2′ and the tactile stimulation providing device 2 will be mainlydescribed.

The tactile stimulation providing device 2′ of FIG. 25 includes a secondA-type attachable/detachable member Va22′ expanded as compared with thetactile stimulation providing device 2 of FIG. 22.

The shape and area of the second A-type attachable/detachable memberVa22′ may be expanded to correspond to those of a third layer memberTP2′. According to this embodiment, since the adhesion between thesecond A-type attachable/detachable member Va22′ and a first B-typeattachable/detachable member Vb21′ increases, the second A-typeattachable/detachable member Va22′ can be prevented from being easilydetached even when the weight of a controller case increases since amotion tracker is coupled to an upper portion of the controller case.

FIGS. 26 and 27 are views illustrating an actuator assembly at differentvisual points according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, the actuator assembly AA2 is configured toinclude an actuator ac2, a top case tc2, and a bottom case bc2. Theactuator ac2 may be a coin motor.

The bottom case bc2 may include an actuator accommodating part bcr2 foraccommodating the actuator ac2. Thus, the actuator ac2 is disposed moreclosely to the bottom case bc2, so that vibration of the actuator ac2can be better transferred to the user.

The bottom case bc2 may include a male fastening part bm2 l and aprojection bm22, and the top case tc2 may include a female fasteningpart tf21 and a recess part tf22. The first layer member BP1 or BP2 mayinclude an opening corresponding to the male fastening part bm21. Themale fastening part bm21 may be coupled to the female fastening parttf21 through the opening of the first layer member BP1 or BP2. Theprojection bm22 is fitted into the recess part tf22 by pressurizing thefirst layer member BP1 or BP2, so that the top case tc2 and the bottomcase bc2 can be more stably fixed to the first layer member BP1 or BP2.

The top case tc2 may include wiring paths tw21 and tw22.

A wiring may electrically connect the actuator ac2 and the controllerthrough the wiring paths tw21 and tw22.

FIG. 28 is a view illustrating an actuator assembly at different visualpoints according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 28, the actuator assembly AA3 includes an actuatorac3, a bottom case bc3, a top case tc3, and a tubular wiring path wp3.

The actuator ac3 may be accommodated in an accommodating part bh3 of thebottom case bc3, and be supported at an intersection part cp3 of thetubular wiring path wp3.

The top case tc3 may be coupled to the bottom case bc3 while coveringthe intersection part cp3 of the tubular wiring path wp3.

When the actuator assembly AA3 having the structure shown in FIG. 28 isemployed, the top and bottom cases tc3 and bc3 can be located betweenthe first layer member BP1 or BP2 and the second layer member MP1 orMP2. Thus, the top and bottom cases tc3 and bc3 is not viewed by theuser. Actuators ac3 may be supported at intersection parts cp3 oftubular wiring paths wp3, respectively.

FIGS. 29 and 30 is a view a structure in which a motion tracker iscoupled to the controller case according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

The motion tracker MT2 may have a configuration identical or similar tothat of the above-described motion tracker MT1, and therefore,overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

The controller case may include an upper case NCCu and a lower caseNCCd. A controller may be included in the controller case. For example,the controller may be accommodated between the upper case NCCu and thelower case NCCd.

The lower case NCCd may include a third wiring opening WH3. A pluralityof actuators and the controller may be electrically connected throughthe third wiring opening WH3.

The lower case NCCd may include a front side part FSPd, a back side partBSPd, a left side part LSPd, and a right side part RSPd. For example,the front side part FSPd may include a concave part CVP1, and the backside part BSPd may include a concave part CVP2. The shapes of theconcave parts CVP1 and CVP2 may be determined to correspond to thewinding of a body part of a user, which is to be worn. For example, theleft side part LSPd may include an opening LShd, and the right side partRSPd may include an opening RShd. A third layer member may be fittedinto the openings LShd and RShd.

The upper case NCCu may include bolt insertion openings VH6 and VH7respectively at side parts LSPu and RSPu. In some embodiments, the boltinsertion openings VH6 and VH7 may be located at the side parts FSPd,BSPd, LSPd, and RSPd of the lower case NCCd.

A portion of a tracker supporting member NCCs is fastenable to thecontroller case. Also, another portion of the tracker supporting memberNCCs is fastenable to the motion tracker MT2.

For example, the tracker supporting member NCCs may include an upperplate SPPs and two side parts LSPs and RSPs extending at both sides ofthe upper plate SPPs. For example, the tracker supporting member NCCsmay have a ‘[’ left bracket shape.

The upper plate SPPs of the tracker supporting member NCCs may include abolt insertion opening VH3. The motion tracker MT2 and the trackersupporting member NCCs may be coupled to each other, using the boltinsertion opening VH3 and a bolt V2. An angle adjusting member may beused at an upper surface, a lower surface, or the upper and lowersurfaces of the upper plate SPPs. That is, the washer assembly WS1, therubber washers RW1 to RW3, and the metal washers MW1 and MW2 of FIG. 17may be used, and the angle adjusting nut N1 of FIG. 15 may be used. Theangle adjusting member may be fitted around the bolt V2.

The side parts LSPs and RSPs of the tracker supporting member NCCs mayinclude bolt insertion openings VH4 and VH5, respectively. The boltinsertion openings VH4 and VH5 may be located to correspond to the boltinsertion openings VH6 and VH7 when the tracker supporting member NCCsis fitted into the upper case NCCu. Thus, the user enables the trackersupporting member NCCs to be fixed to the upper case NCCu, further usingtwo bolts.

Accordingly, when the user uses a tactile stimulation providing devicein a state in which the motion tracker MT2 is removed, it is unnecessaryto separate the controller case from the tactile stimulation providingdevice, and thus convenience increases.

In this embodiment, a case where the tracker supporting member NCCs andthe upper case NCCs are fastened using the bolt is illustrated as anexample. However, in another embodiment, the tracker supporting memberNCCs and the upper case NCCs are fastened using another fastening membersuch as a plastic buckle.

FIG. 31 is a view illustrating another modification of the tactilestimulation providing device of the first embodiment. FIG. 32 is a viewillustrating a lower surface of a first main band of FIG. 31.

In the tactile stimulation providing device 1″ of FIG. 31, descriptionscomponents overlapping with those of the tactile stimulation providingdevice 1′ of FIG. 13 will be omitted. When comparing FIG. 31 with FIG.13, the controller case CC1′ is replaced with the controller case ofFIG. 30.

As compared with FIG. 13, the tactile stimulation providing device 1″may further include attachable/detachable members Vb14′, Vb15″, andVa14″, straps STR11″ and STR12″, and fastening members BCM1″ and BCF1″.

A fourth B-type attachable/detachable member Vb14″ may be located at anupper surface in the vicinity of one end of a third layer member TP1″.In addition, a fifth B-type attachable/detachable member Vb15″ may belocated at an upper surface in the vicinity of one end of a first mainband MB1″. The fourth B-type attachable/detachable members Vb14″ may belocated at a lower surface in the vicinity of the one end of the firstmain band MB1″.

The user attaches a fourth A-type attachable/detachable members Va14″ tothe fourth B-type attachable/detachable members Vb14″, to use thetactile stimulation providing device 1″, similarly to the tactilestimulation providing device 1′ of FIG. 13.

Referring to the wearing example of FIG. 16, friction may frequentlyoccur between the first main band MB1″ and a body part of the user andan external object (floor, etc.). Therefore, when the durability of thefirst main band MB1″ is lowered, it is necessary to replace the firstmain band MB1″. When the first main band MB1″ is not replaced, actuatorsare not properly adhered closely to the body part of the user, andtherefore, it may be difficult to provide a tactile stimulation.

According to this embodiment, the whole of the tactile stimulationproviding device 1″ is not replaced, but only the first main band MB1″that is a consumable product is replaced. Thus, the lifespan of thetactile stimulation providing device 1″ can be lengthened.

A first strap STR11″ may be located at an upper surface in the vicinityof one end of a sub-band SB1″. An A-type fastening member BCM1″ may beconnected to the first strap STR11″. A second strap STR12″ may belocated at an upper surface in the vicinity of the other end of thesub-band SB1″. A B-type fastening member BCF1″ may be connected to thesecond strap STR12″.

The straps STR11″ and STR12″ may be made of a material having anelasticity smaller than that of the bands MB1″ and SB1″. For example,the straps STR11″ and STR12″ may be made of leather, cloth, cotton, etc.When the fastening members BCM1″ and BCF1″ have different types, thefastening members BCM1″ and BCF1″ are fastenable to each other. Forexample, each of the fastening members BCM1″ and BCF1″ may be a buckle.Also, for example, each of the fastening members BCM1″ and BCF1″ mayhave a structure in which a magnet is further included in the buckle.

According to this embodiment, the user may primarily fasten the sub-bandSB1″, using the attachable/detachable members, and then secondarilyfasten the sub-band SB1″, using the fastening members BCM1″ and BCF1″.

For example, when the heavy motion tracker MT2 is fastened to thecontroller case, it may be difficult to support the motion tracker MT2with only adhesion of the existing attachable/detachable members. Thus,according to this embodiment, the stability of the tactile stimulationproviding device 1″ can be improved.

When the sub-band SB1″ is fastened not using the attachable/detachablemembers but using only the fastening members BCM1″ and BCF1″, the usermay have difficulty in fixing the sub-band SB1″ with one hand.Therefore, the user primarily fastens the sub-band SB1″, using theattachable/detachable members, and then secondarily fastens the sub-bandSB1″, using the fastening members BCM1″ and BCF1″, which may be mostpreferable in terms of user convenience or stability.

FIG. 33 is a view illustrating another modification of the tactilestimulation providing device of the second embodiment. FIG. 34 is a viewillustrating upper surfaces of first and second main bands of FIG. 33.FIG. 35 is a view illustrating an upper surface of the tactilestimulation providing device of FIG. 33.

In the tactile stimulation providing device 2″ of FIGS. 33 to 35,descriptions of components overlapping with those of the tactilestimulation providing devices 2 and 2′ of FIGS. 19 to 25 will beomitted.

As compared with the tactile stimulation providing devices 2 and 2′, thetactile stimulation providing device 2″ may further includeattachable/detachable members Vb22″, Vb23″, Vb24″, Vb25″, Va23″, Va24″,Va25″, and Va26″, straps STR21″ and STR22′″ and fastening members BCM2″and BCF2″.

In some embodiments, a second B-type attachable/detachable member Vb22″may be located at a lower surface in the vicinity of one end of a secondmain band MB22″. A third A-type attachable/detachable member Va23″ maybe located at an upper surface in the vicinity of the one end the secondmain band MB22″. A third B-type attachable/detachable member Vb23″ maybe located at a lower surface in the vicinity of the other end of thesecond main band MB22″. A fourth A-type attachable/detachable memberVa24″ may be located at an upper surface in the vicinity of the otherend of the second main band MB22″.

In addition, in some additional embodiments, a fourth B-typeattachable/detachable member Vb24″ may be located at a lower surface ofone end of a first main band MB21″. A fifth A-type attachable/detachablemember Va25″ may be located at an upper surface of the one end of thefirst main band MB21″. A fifth B-type attachable/detachable member Vb25″may be located at a lower surface in the vicinity of the other end ofthe first main band MB21″. A sixth A-type attachable/detachable memberVa26″ may be located at an upper surface in the vicinity of the otherend of the first main band MB21″.

Referring to FIG. 35, the A-type attachable/detachable members Va23″,Va24″, Va25′″ and Va26″ are attached to a first B-typeattachable/detachable member Vb21″, so that the first and second mainbands MB21″ and MB22″ can be fixed. The thicknesses of a finger and apalm of each user hardly have a difference. Hence, in some embodiments,the first and second main bands MB21″ and MB22″ may be replaced withstraps having an elasticity slightly smaller than that thereof.

As described with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32, according to thisembodiment, the first and second main bands MB21″ and MB22″ that areconsumable products can be replaced. Thus, the lifespan of the tactilestimulation providing device 2″ can be lengthened.

A first strap STR21″ may be located at an upper surface in the vicinityof one end of a sub-band SB2″. The first strap STR21″ may be made of amaterial having an elasticity smaller than that of the bands MB21″,MB22″, and SB2″. An A-type fastening member BCM2″ may be connected tothe first strap STR21″. A second strap STR22″ may be located at an uppersurface in the vicinity of the other end of the sub-band SB2″. A B-typefastening member BCF2″ may be connected to the second strap STR22″. Theeffect caused by the straps STR21″ and STR22″ and the fastening membersBCM2″ and BCF2″ refers to the descriptions of FIGS. 31 and 32.

The tactile stimulation providing device according to the presentdisclosure facilitates changing of its size, is firmly fixed to a bodypart of a user, and does not interfere with an input action of the user

Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specificterms are employed, they are used and are to be interpreted in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purpose of limitation. In someinstances, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art asof the filing of the present application, features, characteristics,and/or elements described in connection with a particular embodiment maybe used singly or in combination with features, characteristics, and/orelements described in connection with other embodiments unless otherwisespecifically indicated. Accordingly, it will be understood by those ofskill in the art that various changes in form and details may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure asset forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tactile stimulation providing devicecomprising: a flexible wearing part having a first layer member, a firstside, and a second side that is the opposite side of the first side,wherein actuators are disposed between the first side and the secondside; a first main band having one end located in a vicinity of thefirst side of the wearing part and an other end fastenable to a vicinityof the second side of the wearing part; a sub-band having one endlocated in a vicinity of a third side of the wearing part and an otherend fastenable to the vicinity of the third side of the wearing part;and a plurality of actuator assemblies, each assembly comprising abottom case adhered closely to a lower surface of the first layermember, and a top case adhered closely to an upper surface of the firstlayer member, wherein the top case is coupled to the bottom case to fixa corresponding actuator among the actuators, wherein the wearing partfurther includes: a second layer member having at least a portion of anedge, which is coupled to the first layer member on the first layermember, the second layer member covering the top cases of the pluralityof actuator assemblies; and a third layer member having one endconnected to the second layer member on the second layer member, and another end fastenable to an upper surface of the second layer member, andwherein the tactile stimulation providing device further comprises acontroller case fitted into a portion of the third layer member betweenthe one end and the other end of the third layer member.
 2. The tactilestimulation providing device of claim 1, wherein, when the first mainband is fastened to the vicinity of the second side of the wearing part,the first main band and the actuators form a ring shape adapted to beadhered closely to a first body part of a user, and when the sub-band isfastened, the sub-band autonomously forms a ring shape adapted to beadhered closely to a second body part of the user, wherein the firstbody part and the second body part are adjacent body parts connected toeach other through a joint.
 3. The tactile stimulation providing deviceof claim 1, wherein the actuators are disposed to be adhered closely tothe first layer member.
 4. The tactile stimulation providing device ofclaim 3, further comprising: a plurality of A-type attachable/detachablemembers, wherein a first A-type attachable/detachable member among theplurality of A-type attachable/detachable members disposed at a lowersurface of the sub-band; and a plurality of B-type attachable/detachablemembers, wherein a first B-type attachable/detachable member among theplurality of B-type attachable/detachable members disposed at the uppersurface of the second layer member, wherein the A-type and B-typeattachable/detachable members are attachable to/detachable from eachother.
 5. The tactile stimulation providing device of claim 4, whereinthe tactile stimulation providing device further comprises a secondA-type attachable/detachable member among the A-typeattachable/detachable members disposed at a lower surface in a vicinityof the other end of the third layer member.
 6. The tactile stimulationproviding device of claim 5, wherein the second layer member includes afirst wiring opening, the third layer member includes a second wiringopening, and the controller case includes a third wiring opening,wherein the actuators and a controller in the controller case areelectrically connected by a wiring through the first wiring opening, thesecond wiring opening, and the third wiring opening.
 7. The tactilestimulation providing device of claim 5, further comprising: a secondB-type attachable/detachable member among the B-typeattachable/detachable members located at an upper surface in a vicinityof the other end of the first main band; and a third A-typeattachable/detachable member among the A-type attachable/detachablemembers located at a lower surface in the vicinity of the other end ofthe first main band.
 8. The tactile stimulation providing device ofclaim 7, wherein the third A-type attachable/detachable member isattached to the first B-type attachable/detachable member, so that thefirst main band and the actuators form a ring shape.
 9. The tactilestimulation providing device of claim 8, wherein the second A-typeattachable/detachable member is simultaneously attached to the firstB-type attachable/detachable member and the second B-typeattachable/detachable member.
 10. The tactile stimulation providingdevice of claim 9, wherein the first A-type attachable/detachable memberis attached to the first B-type attachable/detachable member in thevicinity of the third side of the wearing part such that the sub-bandautonomously forms a ring shape.